A 42-year-old man, Darragh Quinlivan, has pleaded guilty to shooting Noel Campion in Limerick City in 2007 as part of the Dundon McCarthy organised crime group. Quinlivan was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and participating in the criminal organisation to commit murder. The victim was shot while riding as a back passenger on a motorbike near St Munchin's Church. Quinlivan, who has lived in the UK, was remanded on bail until January 23 for his sentence hearing. The prosecution counsel indicated that the sentence hearing would take an hour. The court heard that Quinlivan had complied with bail conditions and was living in Ireland. The judge agreed to the bail conditions and remanded him until the hearing date.
Eleven Romanian workers were dismissed by an engineering firm, Rigotec International Ltd, days after they were subjected to racist behaviour at the Intel plant in Co Kildare, a tribunal has heard. Trade union Unite accused the firm of unlawful dismissal in a "sham redundancy" in February 2024. Six of the workers are pursuing complaints under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. Rigotec maintains the redundancies were genuine and the result of a downturn in work. At the Workplace Relations Commission, counsel for the employer, Cillian McGovern BL, stated that two men had engaged in racist behaviour towards the complainants. Site manager Alan Jennings said one worker made a racist remark and received a written warning, while another was dismissed for aggressive behaviour. The workers were let go four days later, including the man who made the racist remark. Andrew Turner of Hamilton Turner Solicitors, appearing for the workers, argued that the redundancies were a sham and not due to a downturn in work. Adjudicator Monica Brennan will return her decision at a later date.
Martin Stokes, a 32-year-old man from Clondalkin, Dublin, who was previously banned from driving and had no insurance, had his three-month jail sentence overturned on appeal. He was initially convicted of driving under the influence, driving without insurance, and possessing a sword, which led to a three-month custodial sentence and a five-year driving ban. Stokes' appeal highlighted his mental health issues and his support for his family. The judge, Christopher Callan, decided to suspend the sentence for two years, provided Stokes keeps the peace and avoids further legal trouble. The original disqualifications and fine remain in place. Sergeant Shay Leonard testified that Stokes was found with a sword in his vehicle and had a blood alcohol level of 171mg per 100ml. Stokes has 20 previous convictions, but his last offense was in 2017, and he has maintained a clean record since 2022.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal against the murder convictions of Michael Dooley, Thomas Dooley Jnr, and Patrick Dooley. The three men, who pleaded not guilty, were found guilty by a jury in 2024 of murdering Thomas Dooley at Rath Cemetery in County Kerry on October 5, 2022. Prosecutors alleged the attack was an 'honour killing' carried out with 'focused and murderous ferocity' using bladed weapons. All three appellants received life sentences from Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring in July 2024. During the appeal, counsel for Michael Dooley argued he was misidentified and the case should have been withdrawn from the jury. Counsel for Thomas Dooley Jnr contended his arrest was unlawful, while Patrick Dooley's lawyers challenged the admission of evidence regarding a weapon. The DPP countered that circumstantial evidence, including CCTV of vehicles fleeing the scene and the discovery of Michael Dooley in a van, supported the convictions. The court heard that the misidentification issue was extensively addressed in the trial judge's directions. The matter was adjourned as the court reserved judgment.
An Indian business student, Rishabh Mahajan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of offensive conduct of a sexual nature and one count of sexual assault. The incidents occurred in October and November 2024, where Mahajan sexually assaulted a woman and masturbated in public. Garda Patrick Hynes told the court that the incidents were captured on CCTV and were "quite brazen" and took place in "quite an exposed part" of the city. The complainant outlined the effects of the offending in a victim impact statement. Garda Stephanie Traynor stated that Mahajan was identified and arrested in early November. Mahajan told gardai that he couldn't remember carrying out the offence. His defence counsel, Patrick Flynn BL, said Mahajan had arrived in Ireland a month earlier to study at the Smurfit business school and was now in homeless accommodation. He offered an apology on his client's behalf to all victims. Judge Baxter adjourned sentencing to May 19 and remanded Mahajan on continuing bail, ordering him to provide the Probation Service with his contact details.
A taxi driver, William O'Keeffe, accidentally struck a woman during a melee, leaving her with a permanent scar on her chin and requiring plastic surgery. O'Keeffe pleaded guilty to one count of affray at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The incident occurred in January 2022 when an altercation broke out with a group of younger people. During the course of the second interaction, O'Keeffe was knocked unconscious for about eight minutes. He regained consciousness and swung his arms, accidentally striking the woman's partner. The woman was left with a significant injury to her face, requiring plastic surgery and leaving her with a vertical scar from her lower chin to her chin. Judge Orla Crowe noted that the woman was "an utterly blameless innocent person" and that the injury had a "profound impact" on her. O'Keeffe expressed sincere remorse and offered €5,000 to the woman within six months. Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of three years but suspended it in full on the condition that O'Keeffe pay the woman €5,000 within six months.
Keith Smithers and Peter White, both with extensive criminal records, were sentenced for their roles in a fight outside a Dublin shopping centre three years ago. Smithers, who had previously been convicted of murder and robbery, received a nine-year sentence, while White, with over 270 convictions, was given four and a half years. Both were later sentenced to two years for affray. The incident involved a fight between Smithers, White, and a third man, with the use of a steel pole. CCTV footage showed the altercation, and both men expressed remorse. Smithers has 98 previous convictions, and White has 274. Both have drug addiction issues and are making efforts to address them. Judge Orla Crowe noted the CCTV evidence and the men's efforts to deal with their addictions before imposing the two-year sentences. Keith Smithers pleaded guilty. Peter White pleaded guilty and was acquitted.
Three men convicted of the kidnap and torture of Quinn Industrial Holdings director Kevin Lunney have had their conviction appeals dismissed by the Court of Appeal. Alan Harte, Alan O'Brien, and Darren Redmond, all from East Wall, Dublin, were found guilty by the Special Criminal Court in 2021 of false imprisonment and intentionally causing harm to Mr Lunney at Ballinagh, Co Cavan on 17 September 2019. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting with two fellow judges, rejected all grounds of appeal, including challenges to the admissibility of DNA evidence from a van used by the kidnappers, phone records obtained via warrant, and CCTV footage. The court found no error in the trial court's decisions on these matters. Harte received a 30-year sentence, O'Brien 25 years, and Redmond 18 years with the final three suspended. All three men confirmed they intend to appeal their sentences, with the matter listed for case management on 13 February.
A serial offender with 165 previous convictions, Gary Herbert (43) from Tallaght, Dublin 24, had his ten-month jail sentence replaced with a fully suspended sentence on appeal. Herbert was convicted in the District Court of two counts of entering the curtilage of a building as a trespasser with intent to commit an offence, and of getting into a mechanically propelled vehicle without authority. He was given a six-month jail sentence for the first offence and a four-month term consecutive to that for the second offence. Garda David Devaney testified that Herbert was identified on CCTV entering vehicles in Templeogue and Terenure, where items had been rummaged through. Defence counsel confirmed that nothing was taken but highlighted Herbert's mental health issues and his need for stable accommodation. Judge Christopher Callan decided to fully suspend both sentences for two years, on the condition that Herbert keeps the peace, engages with probation services, and continues his medication. The judge emphasized the importance of Herbert taking his medication, noting his considerable number of previous convictions.
A printer, Declan Walsh, has claimed he was unfairly dismissed from his job at Labelcraft in Tallaght, Dublin 24, after he called for the sacking of a colleague for alleged aggression and a 'ghetto attitude' towards him. Walsh, who earned €48,000 annually, was terminated in September 2024 following a disciplinary investigation. His employer, Poolville Ltd, argued that Walsh made a 'false allegation' about his manager looking through his bag, leading to a breakdown of trust. During the tribunal, Walsh stated that his manager, Mr M, had been aggressive towards him, including an incident where he was confronted on the factory floor. Walsh claimed that other employees were plotting against him due to his superior performance and that Mr M had secured his job through a supervisor from the same Dublin neighbourhood, Clondalkin. Walsh also mentioned that Mr M had a 'confidant' from Clondalkin who would give him lifts to work. He expressed that he found it offensive when Mr M referred to him with a 'ghetto attitude'.
Three appellants, Thomas Dooley Jnr, Patrick Dooley, and Michael Dooley, appeared before the Court of Appeal to challenge their convictions for the murder of Thomas Dooley at Rath Cemetery, Tralee, on October 5, 2022. The State alleged the men participated in an honour killing using bladed weapons. All had pleaded not guilty. At trial, five defendants received life sentences, while a male teenager was found guilty of murder but not sentenced, as he was expected to seek judicial review. Thomas Dooley Jnr was also convicted of assault causing harm to Siobhán Dooley. Today, the court jailed him for four-and-a-half years for that assault, backdated to November 16, 2022, to run concurrently with his life sentence. Counsel for Thomas Dooley Jnr argued his arrest and detention were unlawful, while counsel for Patrick Dooley contended a leading question regarding a sword was improperly admitted. The appeal continues tomorrow before the three-judge court. The matter was adjourned and is not concluded.
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has paused an investigation into its chief executive, Kenny Jacobs, following a High Court challenge to his suspension. Jacobs was suspended on December 23 after allegations of discriminatory behavior, which he described as "baseless." He claims he was "ambushed" and "humiliated" when told to leave work and not communicate with staff. DAA is resisting legal action from Jacobs, who is seeking to overturn his suspension and halt the investigation. The case is set for an urgent hearing, with both sides agreeing to file affidavits. Jacobs claims the stress from the suspension has been "immense" and that he was left "shell-shocked" after the meeting with the board. The High Court will determine the next steps in the legal dispute.
A High Court judge has praised a woman who was sexually abused by her uncle for her victim impact statement, which she said would help other survivors 'find their voices'. Justice Karen O'Connor told the woman that she should be proud of what she had done to help other victims. The woman's uncle, now aged 63, had pleaded not guilty to a number of charges but was convicted by a jury following a trial last year on three charges of indecent assault. The offences occurred between February 1988 and December 1988 in the child's grandmother's home, where the uncle was living. The court heard that the then 25-year-old man would regularly get into bed with the then five-year-old child naked and rub his body against her. Ms Justice O'Connor remanded the man in custody and adjourned sentencing to later this month. She spoke directly to the complainant and thanked her for her 'very eloquent and detailed report'.
A 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual assault and one count of anal rape of a child between January and August 2021. The accused, who was aged between 15 and 16 at the time of the offences, sexually abused his 11-year-old cousin over a period of months. The abuse ended when the victim's younger brother informed their mother of the incidents. The victim, now 20, described the impact of the abuse in a victim impact statement, stating it had a 'life-altering affect' on him, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD, social anxiety, and depression. He outlined the ongoing effects on his mental health, education, and social life. The accused admitted guilt and the injured party did not have to give evidence. The case is at the sentence stage, and Ms Justice Melanie Greally adjourned the sentencing hearing until March 2, 2026, when a probation report will be available and a plea in mitigation will be heard from the defence legal team.
A 15-year-old driver, now 18, broke a garda's hand during a struggle as he was being removed from a stolen car during a high-speed chase on the M50. The incident occurred on August 24, 2023, when the teenager drove dangerously, including on the wrong side of the motorway and ramming a patrol car. The garda, Detective Garda Kate Gilligan, described the danger posed to road users and herself during the pursuit. The defendant pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including reckless endangerment, assault, and damaging a garda vehicle. Judge Orla Crowe noted the danger of the driving and commended the gardai for their evidence. The judge imposed suspended custodial sentences of 18 months and required the defendant to engage with the Probation Service. The garda sustained two broken bones in her hand and was out of work for 11 weeks. The defendant expressed remorse and cooperated with gardai, though he claimed he did not steal the car. His legal team highlighted his maturity and cooperation with the investigation.
The mother of a four-year-old boy, who was murdered by his stepmother, described her son as a "beautiful, clever, happy and caring" child. The stepmother, a woman in her 30s, pleaded guilty to the murder and two counts of child cruelty. The boy was found unresponsive after falling from his bed, with multiple bruises and injuries indicating non-accidental abuse. The father, who had previously pleaded guilty to endangerment and neglect, was sentenced to seven years. The stepmother will be sentenced to life imprisonment. The boy's mother expressed her devastation, recalling the child's love for his siblings and his kindness. The court heard that the boy had been physically abused for weeks before his death, with the stepmother admitting to shaking him and striking his head. The case has raised significant concerns about child abuse and the failure of the father to protect his son.
A 24-year-old man has pleaded guilty to a range of terrorism-related charges, including the arson of a pub owned by Conor McGregor and a knife attack on gardai in Dublin city centre. Abdullah Khan, who cannot have his address disclosed due to a court order, appeared before the Special Criminal Court and was arraigned on eight counts. His defence counsel, Michael Bowman SC, highlighted a 'complex psychological background' and requested a report on the defendant. Khan admitted to charges that include arson at the Black Forge Inn on July 25, 2025, and a knife attack on gardai on July 29, 2025, at Capel Street. He was also charged with two counts of endangerment and two counts of engaging in terrorist activity. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, adjourned the case for victim impact statements and scheduled a further hearing for March 23. Khan was remanded in custody.
Jordan Gannon (28) was fined and disqualified from driving after being caught behind the wheel while already banned and uninsured. The incident occurred on December 14, 2024, when Gardaí stopped Gannon at a checkpoint and found him unable to produce a valid driving licence or insurance certificate. Gannon had been disqualified from driving for three years as of December 5, 2024. His legal team highlighted his personal circumstances, including his young child with an ongoing illness, and his current apprenticeship in carpentry. Judge Conor Fottrell expressed sympathy for Gannon's situation but emphasized the seriousness of the offences. Gannon was fined €500 for driving without insurance and disqualified from driving for an additional year. An application for legal aid was granted. Jordan Gannon pleaded guilty and was convicted.
Keith Commins (28) was convicted of theft and public order offences after being caught with a stolen mobile phone that contained messages about a work presentation, despite claiming it belonged to his unemployed girlfriend. The incident occurred on August 28, 2024, when Garda David Lyons found Commins cycling erratically and unable to unlock the phone. Messages on the device contradicted his explanation. Commins also faced charges for threatening behaviour and obstruction during a separate incident on January 7, 2025. Judge Conor Fottrell convicted him of theft, public order, and obstruction. Commins has a long criminal record, including drug and public order offences. His legal team highlighted his drug addiction and lack of family support. Judge Fottrell imposed a total of seven months' imprisonment, consecutive to a four-month sentence he is currently serving. A €500 recognisance was fixed, and legal aid was granted. Keith Commins pleaded not guilty.
A psychologist, Dr Emma McDonnell, is challenging the HSE's attempt to recover a €40,000 overpayment from her salary, arguing that the deductions are unfair and unreasonable. The overpayment occurred due to a payroll error during her parental and maternity leave in 2022 and 2023. Dr McDonnell's legal team claims the HSE's approach to recovering the funds violates the Payment of Wages Act 1991, as it lacks fair procedures. The HSE maintains that the deductions are lawful and appropriate. The adjudicator, Brian Dalton, described the legal argument as "truly novel" and adjourned the case to allow for written submissions. The case has significant implications for similar disputes. Dr McDonnell's legal team is represented by Anne Marie Daly of Dominic Dowling LLP, while the HSE is represented by Ger Connolly of Mason Hayes and Curran LLP.
A human resources worker, Jadene Maclou, faced challenges in her employment tribunal claim after admitting to using AI assistance in preparing her legal submissions. At the Workplace Relations Commission, her former employer's barrister highlighted inaccuracies in her legal papers, suggesting some references were 'hallucinations' that could not be verified. Ms Maclou alleged penalisation in breach of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 against her former employer, Virtuoso Learning Ltd. Representing herself, she claimed a 'clear pattern of penalisation' for speaking out about matters at the business. The adjudicator, Penelope McGrath, requested a concise summary of her position and the law she was relying on. Ms Maclou acknowledged using AI assistance, but the adjudicator emphasized the burden of proof on the claimant to ensure the cited cases exist. The matter was adjourned until the end of February for the exchange of new legal submissions.
A man from Belmullet, County Mayo, has brought a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission alleging gender discrimination and breaches of the Employment Equality Act 1998 during a meeting with the Erris Chamber of Commerce in April 2025. James Monaghan claims he was asked inappropriate questions about his national background, age, and smoking and alcohol habits, and was told cutting his hair was a condition of employment. The Chamber's chairman, Brian Bakeberg, disputed these characterisations, stating the encounter was a casual discussion rather than a formal interview, and that remarks about hair were contextual comments about hair loss rather than discriminatory conditions. He denied asking direct questions about Mr Monaghan's nationality or making employment contingent on grooming standards. The adjudication officer, Conor Stokes, concluded the hearing and indicated a written decision would follow in the coming weeks.